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GOLF: The former coach of Steven Bowditch believes the powerful ball striker will have rivals "looking over their shoulders" next year after he reclaimed a full-time berth on the US PGA Tour.

Peter Heiniger, who helped the Peregian Beach player force his way on to the tour for the first time in 2006, reckons his old protégé is poised for a big season in the States after surviving the cut-throat qualifying school in California.

"He's on the brink of doing something really good and I think finishing so high at Q-School will do his confidence a world of good," Heiniger said.

Bowditch (pictured) led the field after five rounds before carving a sixth-round score of two-over-par 74 to finish in a share of 10th place on 21-under-par.

The top-25 result ensured he regained full exemption on the tour, after a disappointing 2012 when he held only part-time status.

Bowditch also played on the tour in 2006 and 2007 but dropped out suffering, depression.

He battled his way back on to the big stage in 2011 and 2012 and now the 29-year-old is primed for his best season yet.

"He's got the game and he's now at the age where he's got the experience behind him - so look out 2013," Heiniger said. "I think it could be a really good year for him"

"He's not making up the numbers anymore. He's not the young duck on the tour anymore and he can get amongst it so I think they will all be looking over their shoulders at Steven."

There's little doubt Bowditch will be buoyed by his performance at the notorious Q-School.

"He's really earned it (a berth on the tour) because he's done the hard yards," Heiniger said. "In the last few months, he's gone through the two qualifying stages and when you do that and finish so highly in the final stage, you think 'okay, I've got something to offer'.

Significantly, Heiniger believes Bowditch is more mentally and physically prepared than ever.

"I think he's in a good place at the moment on and off the golf course," he said.

"He's always had the shots but I think he's worked very hard on his putting and that's starting to show through. And I know he's still trying to get that fade into his game to control his ball flight to keep it in play and be more consistent.

"I also think he's matured.

"He's happily married. And with that experience that he's gained over the last 10 years of playing professionally, I think 2013 is looking very promising."

A prominent Sunshine Coast coach, Heiniger coached Bowditch from 2004-06 after the latter knocked on his door asking for help with his game.